How Is the Army Enhancing Tactical Operations with Edge Computing?

January 28, 2025

The U.S. Army is actively exploring and refining its cloud and edge computing capabilities to enhance tactical operations and overall military strategy. This initiative is focused on determining the appropriate computing tools and infrastructure needed at various operational levels or echelons, ensuring that the right capabilities are delivered to the right units at the right time. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, the Army aims to stay ahead of evolving threats while maintaining the agility and efficiency required for modern warfare.

Understanding the Tactical Edge

The concept of the “edge” in military operations varies across different branches, theaters, units, and agencies within the Department of Defense. For the Army, simplifying the network for smaller units is crucial to reduce complexity at the tactical level. This allows these units to focus on their primary mission without being burdened with additional logistical and technical tasks associated with operating a complex network. Therefore, understanding and defining the tactical edge is fundamental to achieving operational success.

Leonel Garciga, the Army’s chief information officer, highlighted the impracticality of relying solely on cloud services for micro-level operations. Learning from current conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine, has shown that extensive deployment of cloud services at the tactical edge may not align with the Army’s operational methods. Instead, the focus should be on developing operational concepts that drive the right capabilities at different echelons. This nuanced understanding helps to create a more resilient and flexible approach to military operations.

The necessity to define the “edge” varies across different branches and units. For instance, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) edge is defined as a region, which significantly differs from the Army’s need to simplify the network for smaller units. In these discussions, the overarching trend is the goal of reducing complexity at the tactical level so that smaller units can focus on their primary mission. In an ever-evolving battlefield, having clearly defined and easily deployable computing resources at the edge can make a significant difference in mission success.

Role-Based Differentiation in Capabilities

The Army is working to define roles and capabilities essential for different units, ensuring that each unit has the tools it needs to succeed. Mark Kitz, the program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications, and Network, emphasized the importance of role-based differentiation in capabilities. Different roles within a battalion may require varying levels of edge computing capability, reflecting the diverse needs of the modern battlefield. This approach ensures that resources are allocated optimally according to the specific needs and roles of different units within the Army.

For instance, a company operating small form factor unmanned aerial systems might need substantial edge computing capabilities for data processing, while those focused on patrol duties may not. This experimentation is crucial to ensure that resources are aligned with mission requirements. Ensuring each unit receives the right capabilities prevents wastage of resources and enhances overall operational efficiency. By assessing different scenarios and roles within a battalion, the Army can optimize the distribution of edge computing tools, ultimately leading to better decision-making and mission execution.

Moreover, the Army’s efforts to tailor capabilities based on roles extend to identifying which technologies are essential at various echelons. As units operate in diverse environments and undertake different missions, a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. Understanding the specific needs of each unit and providing appropriate computing solutions are key. This tailored approach not only enhances operational effectiveness but also ensures that soldiers can focus on their primary tasks without being encumbered by unnecessary technology.

Project Convergence and NGC2 Initiative

The Army’s Project Convergence Capstone 5 event, scheduled for later in the year, will serve as a testing ground for these concepts. This experiment aims to answer critical questions about data accessibility, security, and the practicalities of deploying edge computing across different echelons. It is part of the broader Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative, designed to establish a sophisticated command and control structure through agile and software-based solutions. Project Convergence represents the Army’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations and ensuring that it remains a formidable force on the battlefield.

Officials agree on the necessity of accurately defining the tactical edge. Colonel Mike Kaloostian, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer at Army Futures Command, stressed that over-reliance on cloud services could present operational challenges, particularly in scenarios where access to cloud resources may be limited or unreliable. Instead, the emphasis should be on developing high-capacity, low-size, weight, and power edge computing capabilities that can function autonomously and efficiently process data in demanding environments. By focusing on reliable, low-latency computing solutions, the Army can maintain operational capabilities even in contested environments.

Project Convergence is designed to push the boundaries of what is currently possible in military operations. Through rigorous testing and evaluation, the Army seeks to identify the most effective ways to leverage edge computing to support mission-critical applications. The insights gained from these experiments will inform future developments and help refine the Army’s overall approach to integrating advanced computing capabilities. By continuously evolving and adapting its strategies, the Army aims to stay ahead of potential adversaries and ensure mission success.

Balancing Complexity and Capability

The U.S. Army is making significant strides in enhancing its cloud and edge computing capabilities to bolster tactical operations and overall military strategy. This effort involves identifying and utilizing the right computing tools and infrastructure necessary at different operational levels or echelons. By deploying these cutting-edge technologies, the Army ensures that the appropriate capabilities are delivered to the right units at the optimal time. This approach is critical for maintaining a strategic advantage in the face of evolving threats and adapting to the fast-paced demands of modern warfare. The initiative is multi-faceted, encompassing the evaluation of current technologies and the integration of advanced solutions to provide real-time data, improve communication, and streamline decision-making processes. These advancements are not only focused on immediate tactical benefits, but are also aimed at long-term strategic gains. By staying at the forefront of technological developments, the Army aims to maintain its agility, efficiency, and effectiveness on the battlefield, ensuring mission success in various operational contexts.

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